YOUNG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS HIGHLIGHT ISSUES OF CONCERN

Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady has said that the tragic death of young Bessbrook student Shauna Mc Cann in January and the subsequent treatment of her grieving family had highlighted major issues of concern in relation to student accommodation and tenancy agreements.

The MLA speaking at a meeting organised by local young University students to discuss the areas of concern and means of addressing them stated “Shauna McCann died tragically in January 2008 whilst a student at Hope University in Liverpool.  Her parents have and continue to be pressurized relentlessly by the letting agent involved for money for rent, allegedly outstanding. That is the unfortunate potential reality facing other parents and students as well as the Mc Cann family” said Mickey and he continued “Shauna’s death has ensured that parents like myself who are fortunate enough to have our sons or daughters going to University, now check every piece of accommodation and tenancy agreements before signing them. Parents normally act as guarantors for the accommodation. Unfortunately the issue of a student having to suddenly leave their accommodation because of serious illness or death has not at this minute been properly addressed. The family affected by such a thing happening is still reliant on the agent or Landlord acting in a compassionate manner”.

Mickey listened to the views of young students who he said now seemed to be more acutely aware of issues involved. “There is still a genuine anger amongst many of these young students, some who knew Shauna personally about the treatment of the family and the ongoing situation. However they all agreed that the young student’s death has ensured that they must be alert to these types of issues” said the Sinn Fein MLA. He concluded by stating that he still was pursuing the matter with Employment and Learning Minister Reg Empey.  Mayor of Newry and Mourne Council Colman Burns who also attended the gathering to publicly portray his concerns about the issues involved appealed to all students to be aware of issues that they could potentially encounter in relation to accommodation and tenancy agreements.

“The family of this young local student Shauna mc Cann who died suddenly whilst attending University in Liverpool has been treated abysmally by the Housing Letting agent and the landlord of her shared student accommodation. I would appeal to all students and their parents or guardians to use all resources available to access legal information on rental and sublet agreements, and tenant law” said the Mayor

UNIONISTS IRRATIONAL HOSTILITY TO THE IRISH LANGAUAGE QUESTIONED BY RAFFERTY

Armagh City and District Councillor Cathy Rafferty commenting on the recent debate in the Assembly on Irish Medium Education, has welcomed her Party Leaders criticisms of some  unionists 'irrational hostility' to the 'Irish language, to Irish language speakers, and to children who were being taught through the medium of the Irish language.

“During the debate Gerry Adams warned the Assembly that 'some members felt there was a need to pretend that they were in charge of the institutions and that they could stop a Sinn Fein Minister from fulfilling her duties” said Cathy who continued “He said that they, the chosen the education of our children as the issue to contest this matter. The future of the Assembly is based upon the ability of all of the parties to work together in the common good; making necessary compromises and agreements, based upon equality and inclusivity. That is the only way those institutions will survive”.

The Armagh City Councillor said that rather than choose to march backwards into meltdown and failure, those members should move forward to deliver for citizens on pressing health, education, environmental, economic and planning problems.'

Cathy also had great praise for Education Minister Caitríona Ruane who he stated was working very hard to ensure that no child was placed at a disadvantage; that no child was abandoned, or denied their opportunity to meet their full educational potential “Caitriona Ruane is showing great leadership in charting a difficult course towards this objective” said the Sinn Fein elected representative

ORANGE PARADES PORTALOOS COSTING ARMAGH COUNCIL THOUSANDS OF POUNDS – Approx £5000

Armagh City and District Sinn Féin Councillor Mary Doyle speaking after confirmation from Council Officials that approximately £5000 had been spent last year by the Council to provide toilet facilities for various Loyal Order Parades and other related events, has said that there is an urgent need to implement a policy for such requests.

“Whilst some other community and sporting groups did avail of this service from the Council at a much smaller cost, I would have some concern that not all communities, sporting and voluntary groups were not even aware of this “facility” provided by the Council. To the best of my knowledge, at no time did were any requests for portaloos from the Orange Order or any other group discussed and decided upon by the Council. That is why I have asked Council Officials to provide me with the policy and protocols relating to the provision of such facilities”.

The Crossmore Sinn Fein Councillor concluded by stating that in total just over £6500 had been spent by the Council for the provision of Portaloos for events.

COUNCILLOR URGES VIGILANCE

Armagh City and District Councillor Cathy Rafferty has urged all homeowners to be extra vigilant after reports of a robbery in the Umgola area of the City in which it seems two men pretending to be Utility workers conned their way into the home of an elderly person and robbed them. “Whilst details of this specific incident are sketchy at the moment, it is clear that elderly homeowners were once again being targeted by unscrupulous thieves” said Cathy who continued “I would appeal all communities to be extra vigilant”.